And so many extras. Stephane proved to me that he doing this out of a love for tea, and not out of a desire to make a buck. The box was stuffed with extra goodies (I won't spoil the surprize -- place you own order) including a wonderfully personalized letter.

Hello,We live in France. I can't figuere out from your site how to order tea from you. We know very little about good tea....We would like to try the charbon de bamboo here. How may we order it? Or make it ourselves? Bamboo grows her.Thank you,Barbara

Barbara Glancy from Homestead, FL USAI recently ordered two tea storage vessels from Stephane. It is very difficult to find the quality and someone willing to take the care to package them for safe shipping. It is one thing to have the quality but if you cannot trust someone to get it to you in one piece why venture to order. If there is anyone who is in doubt be assured Stephane is the real deal. The antique tea cups are special also and you need to order at least 3-5 cups for that special tea that you only want to drink on special occasions. The cups are very small and perfect for reserve teas made with your smallest tea pot.Stephane is pasionate at what he does and wants to share his passion.It was pure chance that I found his site and I encourage all tea lovers not to hesitate. The 1960 Bao Zhong will be the tea that I hope he has more of it is really wonderful.I sincerely cannot say enough good things about this humble tea master.Stephane is a great Taiwan find.

How I Found Stephane Erler By Barbara Glancy I was bored opening sites on the internet about tea that did not have serious teas or tea ware. So I googled "Zhuni" the clayed used to make tea pots.Hoping to find something serious about tea. That is how I found the Tea Master Stephane Erler. I was imediately captured by the quality and clear approach within his web pages.I hate being talked down to. I am interested in tea and I am finding my way slowly and I have been very lucky to find to extremely knowledgable people along the way to help me find some interesting teas. Stephane does exactly what I try to do. Find the best and leave the rest. So apparent I ordered without hesitation. First off I saw the medium size yixing red clay tea vessel. This shape of octagon on the bottom is one of the hardest to make and then it is round at the top with a just as hard to match perfectly fitting lid.It is absolutely wonderful to hold in your hand truly tea art was kept in mind when producing this vessel. Same goes for the smaller brown one that holds my favorite for now 1960 Bao Zhong leaves.I also splurged for Valentines Day and ordered the Bamboo tea tray combo tea sink caring basket made of Bamboo.I just want to make one comment. Bamboo is the strongest plant fiber/wood in the world. But this basket has handles that are held on with four small pegs.I would not carry it to work everyday using the Metro.I would be afraid one of the pegs securing the handle to the box might slip out of position. Knowing this will help you enjoy it under the proper conditions. It makes a wonderful display item when you want to impress guests for tea in and around the gardens.I am extemely satisfied with my tea basket, antique cups only for special tea and special tea friends,my tea holding vessels and my 1960 BaoZhong leaves.I am looking forward to my next order.I was so glad I had the confidence to order from Stephane.I now own some really special tea ware.No buyers remorse!

Yesterday I received my awaited package from Stephane. The top of the box was covered with beautiful tea picture postage stamps; carefully laid out so I was able to remove them perfectly. They tell the story of the gong-fu. Inside were the delicate packets of teas all arranged for inspection along with samples and some excellent Chinese ear candy! All of this and a lovely letter. Thankyou kind sir.I remarked to my wife that getting a package from Stephane was like receiving a special gift from a kind friend. And so it is.Many thanks.Warren

My package from Stephane was so special with the inclusion of the Chinese treats, extra samples and personal letter.

The CDs, Green Rivulet with Flowing Spring, and Looking Forward to People Life have the slow and even music I wanted for creating a calm, peaceful background that enhances tea drinking. The celadon cups are a beautiful color that along with the music make Gong Fu Cha a truly unique experience.

Stephane your pu er teas are fantastic. They have a characteristic smoothness and soothing, calming quality that is representative of your particular palate--one which is exceptionally cultivated. Each of the three teas I experienced shared this quality in one dimension or another. The teas I have tried are a 1988 Jiang Cheng brick that was lovely, the exceptionally smooth and soothing 1990 Menghai Fang Cha Zhuan, and the 2003 Wild Yi Wu. I have not tasted such a complex, rich young pu er elsewhere. I also must compliment you on the lovely first package that I received, it was truly a treasure to open it, from the moment of receiving it to the discovery of the expected items, and surprises inside! My second package arrived just as quickly, and I have yet to try all the teas. Thank you for being so involved and excited about tea, it is a very special and wonderful resource for the rest of us!!!

I finally managed to taste every tea that I received from Stephane (except for the teabag), and everything was amazing. Of the three Baozhongs I ordered ("subtropical forest," "honey," and Qizhong), I enjoyed "honey" the most. I can't think of a better name for it. The "honey" Baozhong contained the exact flavor and aroma I was seeking. Of the three Puerhs Stephane sent me samples of (two raw, one cooked), I enjoyed the 1990 Raw Fang Zhuan the most. It had a pleasant earthy flavor that became sweeter in later infusions. The three samples Stephane provided me with are the only Puerhs I've had, and I think I'm hooked. It's interesting to note the higher quality tea Stephane provides, for a similiar price as many tea vendors here in the United States. Higher quality tea for a similar price makes re-ordering from Stephane that much easier. Thank you, Stephane, for the wonderful tea and the knowledge you continue to share here in your blog.

I recieved my package from Stephane 2 days ago, thanks for ship the package so quick, only 7 days to arrive to Spain. It was a surprise how many samples and gifts i found with a nice personal letter.A beauty zisha Xishi teapot from yixing.2 Quing dynasty wine cups1 raw wild Yi Wu cake of spring 2002, this cake really surprise me, with a few leaves you can brew very long times, is a excelent tea but i'm sure every tea from Stephane is high quality.Im happy to have found a good place to learn and enjoy about this mysterious beverage.I look forward to many purchases in the future. Thanks Stephane for share your luch

Thanks for the Christmas present sir mr Erler, and for a nice fancy A4 superior quality paper box.. and oh yeah, that huge pile of teas and tea samples that were inside aswell. Glad that I've came back.

I received the following from Stéphane back in January, plus some samples and other goodies... I'm not very good at describing my opinions of tea in words, but since this comment is long overdue, I thought I'd post a few words about some of the stuff I've tried so far.

And just to start out, I've found Stéphane to be a very helpful and honest "dealer".

* Nov 2006 Dong Ding "classic"

I wasn't 100% sure about this one at first, but I really like it. It's not too green, but has a nice fruity flavor (maybe a little bit of banana or something - I'm not quite sure how to describe it). Not overwhelmingly fruity, but not bitter at all either. I've been drinking this a lot at work.

* "Lily Flower" Baozhong

This one isn't so much to my liking so far. Nothing against the tea, which seems to be of excellent quality... I will try to experiment some more with the brewing parameters, but I think it's just a little too green and -- I don't know the word - floral? grassy? -- for me.

* Spring high altitude sampler

(this is a sampler of Luanze oolong from 3 different elevations)

I've only had 2 of the three teas so far. They have been very light in terms of smell / flavor. Both of the ones I've tried (one especially) seem to have a light hint of what I'd describe as a blueberry flavor. I need to experiment more with these still (maybe I need to use more leaf or water at a full boil). The wet leaves seem to be of very good quality.

* Top grade roasted TGY sample

I was glad Stéphane included this one. I enjoyed it, and will probably order some more soon.

Phyll, Danica and I tried a very similar tea over the weekend - hopefully next time we meet up we'll be able to do a comparison.

* 4oz '90s Zhuni pear pot

The clay is good; the lid fit is pretty loose (as described), but I'm pretty happy with it thus far.

Dear Stephane, thank you so much for the amazing tea and samples. You are my favorite person to deal with because your qulity is always superb and a true spirit of love and respect for tea comes through in every exchange with you. The 89 wild tree puerh brick was fantastic, huanting old fragrnce and floavors, smooth rich and beautiful qi. The 85 sheng tuocha wild tree had the most increadable texture of any puerh I have ever had, like drinking thick smooth silk. the flavors were very "old" wild, and alive and the qi was quite stong. The 1990 shu tuocha was the most refined cooked puerh I have ever had, like drinking fine wine, with intense old forest flavors. Thank you for everything you do and the way you do it. You truely serve the spirit of tea.Paul RosenbergPortland, Oregon

Hi recently bought some tea of Stepane, its absoloutly beautifull, postage was as fast to be expected, im in australia. the tea quality is just great!, its so fresh you can tell! I will buy again.thanks for the sample of the tea, and the charcoal I have notice the difference alot.

for people in australia, customs opened my package to inspect and it was cleared, so feel free to order, only tea containing fruit, or fruit peices, cant be imported.

I am sitting here drinking my first infusion of tea from water heated in my new unglazed tetsubin... purchased through Stéphane. I am new to the world of tea, and Stephane's blog has been instrumental in experiencing and learning more about the simple depth and beauty of tea. Living in the US, where unglazed tetsubins are not imported (FDA regulations), I emailed Stéphane directly and he found a source for a new tetsubin for me. It is simple and perfect. He also sent tea, which I can't wait to try. I can only imagine that the world-wide tea community is richer because of Stéphane's blog.

I found Stephane on the web during my search for zhuni teapots as I like to collect teapots. He opened my eyes to look at teapots from their functionality rather than merely aesthetic appreciation. I found him to be a frank person who speaks out without any 'chit-chat', which is a very important quality I looked from a seller. I ordered 2 zhuni teapots along with teas. They came only in a few days and I am pleased with his tea gifts. I really appreciate it as it is very difficult here in Germany to get a decent chinese tea sample.The zhuni teapots are two lovely well crafted pots. They are nothing less than very fine pieces functional pots, exactly like Stephane said. Now I'll explore new horizon, searching information in his blogs to learn about making a good cup of tea, learning to bring the best quality out of a tea and to enjoy it as a whole. There's no a single doubt that I'll look for Stephane's teas and teawares selection as the first priority when I want to order.

I've been fascinated by Stéphane's tea blog for some time and recently put in an order for some tea and a tea pot.

I am incredibly impressed at how easy it is to deal with Stéphane and how quickly and thoroughly Stéphane answered my queries. I am based in the UK and received my exquisitely packed parcel in a matter of days and it has been a total pleasure to unpack along with all the other goodies he included. The charcoal really does seem to make a difference. The teas have all been delicious and the Zhuni Xishi tea pot is incredibly well made and a joy to use. I should also mention the fabulous letter that came with the order, which was witty, charming, informative and very much appreciated.

Stéphane has certainly helped to foster both my interest and appreciation of tea and I certainly wouldn't hesitate to recommend purchasing from him and will certainly do so again very soon. Many thanks

i recently bought some teas, a zhuni pot and a duanni pot from stephane i tried his sample of luanze shan lin shi luanze oolongwinter 2007, which is my reason for writing; it simply taste very good, no bitter taste, has a lingering aftertaste, and last for many infusions

yes. amazing teas indeed from stephane. ordered two pots and he included some nice tea samples and two pieces of charcoal bamboo and a very nice and personal letter. very sweet. the tea i had was a luan ze oolong, don't know what kind of roast but it was superb to say the least. wow!!! i have to make an order asap!! first need to finish my current stock of teas. thank you stephane.

I was surprised at the speed of shipping to the states. Simply amazing teas, even some surprising good Shu coins, who would have imagined. Thank you for recommending those baozhongs based on my stated tastes, you go it spot on. I'm also very satisfied with the two pots I got as well. You will now be a separate line item in my annual tea budget. ;)

My virtual tea friend, Karen, on the opposite coast, has exquisite taste in all things tea, and she has been encouraging me to order from Stephane. I am most grateful for her advice because his wares have taken my tea-ing to the next level!

Stephane's ivory porcelain cups are beautiful in their shape and exquisite in their delicacy. Every sip is a kiss on the lips. I live in the Los Angeles area, and in all my teaware shopping I have never seen such beautiful cups.

The singing cups are even more lovely than their pictures show them to be; yes, they do sing and I like their generous size.

The celadon cups are a gorgeous color and I will enjoy my "heavier" teas in these. They are very durable for everyday use.

Additionally, I ordered several teas from Stephane. At the moment, I am sipping his Roasted QiZhong Oolong/2006. It offers a nice roasty, yet smooth flavor. With each successive sip, this tea is becoming one of my favorites!

I have a very special appreciation for Stephane. He is passionate about everything tea and he takes very good care of his customers. He has expertly guided me through several orders and I have never been disappointed. He has a very keen sense of detail and artistic eyes for the beautiful. He is a master...always with his heart shining through.Thank you, Stephane!

I recently purchased the quingbai porcelain tea set. I could not be happier! Every item in this set is breathtakingly beautiful, and paired with the right tea, it is truly magnificent. I cannot wait to order more from Stephane.

I've had 'a thing' for Taiwanese oolongs for several years now. However, it was not until my first order from Stephane that I realized exactly why I love tea so much. Stephane's holistic, artistic, and practical approach to enjoying all aspects of tea is so refreshing and inspiring. He is the only tea merchant I have found who really gets it, and he is by far my favourite person to order tea from.

All of my orders, which have included both teas and teaware, have arrived on time, and in perfect condition. I'm so amazed by the quality of service and product that Stephane provides. All of Stephane's oolongs that I have tried are several levels above the quality of anything available to me in Cananda where I live...and for a similar price too! And I am particularily grateful for the modern zhuni teapots that Stephane offers, which are by far the best buy that I have found online. In addition, the Tea Masters blog itself has been an ongoing source of education and entertainment for me.

Thank you Stephane for sharing your passion with the world. You are a real inspiration to all of us who strive to follow our hearts and dreams. I hope you keep doing your thing for a long time to come! Especially because it's so hard to go back to drinking 'other stuff' after sampling your selection. ;)

When you buy tea ( or anything ) online you really never know what your gonna get.

Stephane made the process really easy and straight forward, which I feel is really inportant when ordering from a person directly Vs. major tea company. He was always quick when replying to email inquires,I never had to wait more than a day to hear back from him to find out if something was available/instock. Eveything was payed through paypal, which was nice,it washed away my insecurities of being swindled.I was really inpressed with how he took the time to pack my order. Everything was hand bubble wrapped,so my gaiwan would not break, all the teas were individualy air sealed in their own package to ensure freshness. Very well done. all of it was then organized in a tetris like manner so that everything fit perfectly together. Something you can never get from a company that has to be inpersonal to ship to large number of people. He took the extra effort to make sure it all arrived safely.

All that alone in my book makes up for any reservations or doubts that one might have about ordering from him. I plan on ordering from him again in the near future, since I now know I can trust the process of buying from him.

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About Me

My name is Stéphane Erler. I live in Taiwan since 1996 and have been studying tea with Teaparker. He's a worldwide tea expert and author of over 30 tea books. The study of tea isn't just theoretical, but it's also rooted in daily practice. It's a path of continuous improvement. As my brewing technique improves I get access to better teas and better accessories. These things go hand in hand. My blog documents my learning since 2004. And I have set up an online tea boutique with my selection of top quality teas, accessories and tea culture.